Consultation on the Code of Practice on Good Governance for Statutory Officers

LLG, CIPFA and SOLACE are delighted to consult on the Code of Practice on Good Governance for Statutory Officers. This is an important piece of work which has been produced jointly; with specific thanks to Philip McCourt from Bevan Brittan for his substantial contribution. Additional thanks to Helen Bradley, LLG National Lead for Monitoring Officers and Governance and, of course, our MO members for their input so far. 

LLG’s CEO, Deborah Evans said “we are delighted to have worked with SOLACE and CIPFA to realise our ambitions to set out what good governance looks like in practice for the three statutory officers. We very much want to hear from our members in relation to the draft code and would urge you to submit your views to help us shape the ‘Golden Triangle’ moving forward”. 

The Code of Practice for Good Governance sets out expectations for the Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer, and the Monitoring Officer in local authorities. The Code aims to support these roles to work effectively together and deliver good governance. Whilst in powerful positions, they must recognise their responsibilities, understand the separation of powers and display good governance. As there are higher expectations from individuals in these roles, the Code considers the seven Nolan Principles in conjunction with the Golden Triangle to advise and guide them. The Seven Principles of the Golden Triangle are as follows: 

• Respect Roles and Responsibilities 

• Act Wisely: A duty of enquiry and the exercise of statutory functions 

• Be Robust in working arrangements 

• Resource up: Get the tools to do the job 

• Build resilience: Appointing Deputies 

• Champion good decision making 

• Effective Oversight: External companies and entities of the authority 

Solace, CIPFA, and LLG are collaborating to assist these roles. To support chief executives, Solace has integrated the ‘Local Government Chief Executives’ Development Hub’ into the chief executive training and development programme. CIPFA have issued a ‘Statement on the role of the Chief Financial Officer in Local Government’ along with a briefing on ‘Balancing local authority budgets and section 114 notices’. LLG have taken steps to assist Monitoring Officers by producing a ‘Monitoring Officer Protocol’ and ‘Monitoring Officer Handbook’. LLG Inspire is also designed to aid aspiring Monitoring Officers. 

To read the Draft Code in full, please click here. 

We would like to hear your views on the content, along with any relevant feedback. Please provide your responses to membership@llg.org.uk by 5 April 2024.